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Engineered COVID-19 Antibody Enables Extremely Rapid Identification of SARS-CoV-2 in Nasal Mucus, Saliva, and Blood

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 20 Oct 2020
Illustration
Illustration
An engineered monoclonal antibody against the COVID-19 virus spike protein could enable extremely rapid identification of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in nasal mucus, saliva, and blood, as well as potentially allow for rapid identification of the virus present on surfaces, such as food, cell phones, door handles, etc., through testing only a small sample.

The new class of anti-spike protein monoclonal antibodies against COVID-19 was created by researchers at Halberd Corporation (Jackson Center, PA, USA) and Arizona State University (ASU Tempe, AZ, USA). Halberd has begun the process of filing the first of multiple planned joint patent applications for this new class of antibody and will not publicly disclose details concerning the rapid identification methodology until appropriate patent protections are in place. Halberd scientists believe that the breakthrough could help solve the COVID-19 pandemic by accelerating identification of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and the scientific analysis of the effectiveness of COVID-19 therapeutics.

Scientists from Halberd believe that rapid identification is essential to permit effectively initiating therapeutics in the earliest phases of COVID-19. Early identification and treatment could substantially curtail the spread of COVID-19.

“The progress over the past month has been phenomenal and is already yielding patentable intellectual property. We foresee this as just the first of many potential patent applications to address the rapid detection, prevention, and treatment of COVID-19,” said Dr. Patricio Reyes, Chief Technical Officer of Halberd Corporation.

Related Links:
Arizona State University
Halberd Corporation


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